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Young Japanese mark their Coming of Age in a ceremony

Japanese 20-year-olds have marked the moment they became adults on the Coming of Age Day. When they reach the age of 20 men and women in Japan can drink alcohol, smoke and vote. The national holiday sees youths dress in elaborate traditional dress and attend a day of speeches at their local civic office before celebrating with their families and friends. The tradition was first established in 1948 but it has its roots as far back as the seventh century.